Power saw



May 2o, 1941. L. F. lATwooD POWER SAW Filed Sept. 2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 r E EE...

AC .mn-Hlm! POWER SAW May 20, 1941.

Filed Sept. 2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 20, 1941. F, ATWOOD 2,242,336

POWER SAW l l Filed sept. 2, 193s s sheets-'sheet s 1E: El. 7* 7777/77 @111.

4working saws.

Patented May 20, 1,941

POWER SAW Laurence Franklin Atwood, Los Angeles County,

Calif., ass Supply Co., Ltd.,

tion of California lgnor to Consolidated Machinery &

Los Angeles, Calif., a corpora- Application September 2, 1938, Serial No. 228,163

2 Claims.

This invention relates to power saws and relates more particularly to portable power wood A general object of this invention is to provide av practical, inexpensive and highly eicient portable power saw.

The present invention relates to a portable power tool or 'machineof the class employed in .he performance of various wood working operations such as cross cutting, ripping, mitering, dadoing, etc, I will herein refer to the machine oi the present invention as ya. saw or power saw, it being understood that these terms are not to be construed as limiting the scope or application of lthe invention.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power saw of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly adjusted to perform numerous wood working operations with great accuracy.

Another object of this invention is to provide a saw of the character mentioned that is compact and light in weight to be transported and installed with ease and that is strong and powerful to eiliciently and accurately perform heavy duty work as well as light work.

Another object of this invention is -to provide a portable power saw of the character mentioned that is such that the saw proper may be adjusted and manipulated in such a manner that it is unnecessary to align or move the work supporting table.

Another object of this invention is to provide a saw of the character mentioned in which the calibrated adjustable swivel mountings and connections are of large radii permitting very accurate adjustments to be made with ease and facility.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power saw of the character mentioned embodying a traveling or shiftable saw carrying arm supported by fully enclosed and readily adjust .able bearings that assure smooth even movement of the arm at all times.

Another object of this invention is to provide a saw ofthe character mentioned in which the tool operating motor is mounted on the traveling arm in a novel manner to provide for a maximum range of adjustment of the saw blade without the necessity of increasing the length of the arm and Without employing an excessively wide work supporting table.

A further object of this invention is to provide a power saw of the character referred to embodying a novel and practical safetyguard for the saw blade.

The various objects and features of my invention twill be fully understood from the following detailed description of a. typical preferred form and application of my invention, throughout is made to the ac-4 Which description reference companying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the improved saw of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. l. Fig. 3 is an-enlarged fragmentary horizontal detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. l. Fig. i is a fragmentary endv elevation of the saw. Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional lview taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical de'- tailed sectional view of the column head illustrating the bearings for the traveling arm. Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 'I-I on Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 8 8 on Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 9 9 on Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view illustrating the connection between `the base and the mounting plate, and Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line II-II on Fig. 4.

The improved portable ent invention may be said to comprise, generally, a turnable base Il), a column II shiftable vertically in the base Ill, means I2 for adjusting the column II vertically, a horizontal arm I3 shiftably carried on the column II, a bracket I4 pivotally adjustable on the arm I3, a saw operating motor I5 adjustable on the bracket I4 and a saw guard I6 associated with the motor I5.

The 'basel I0 is provided to lcarry and guide the vertical column I I. In accordance with the invention vthe base I0 is adapted to be turnably supported on a bench, table or other suitable supporting structure. A mounting base plate II is provided to carry the base I0 and to facilitate its connection with the table or bench. The plate I'Imay be secured to its support by bolts or screws I8. The plate I1 has a Hat horizontal upper surface I9 that is finished or machined and a central vertical opening 20 is provided in the plate. 'I he base I0 is a vertically disposed member and is tubular, having a central vertical opening 2l for receiving the column II. A circular outwardly projecting flange 22 is provided on the lower end of the base I0 and the external power saw of the prestially loose to permit turning surface of the base may slope or taper upwardly and inwardly from its base 22. The under surface of the tlange 22 is machined to turnably bear on the surface I9 of the plate I1. .A central skirt 22 projects downwardly from the base I and enters the opening 20 of lthe plate I1. The skirt 22 may have a downwardly facing shoulder 24 bearing on the surface I9 of the plate I1. The skirt 22 cooperating with thewall of the opening assists in maintaining the base I0 centralized and in a vertical position. The periphery of the base flange I0 is provided with a series of calibrations25 and a suitably located mark 26 is provided on the plate I1. The calibrations 25 are preferably numbered toindicate the angular or rotative position of the base l0 and the calibrations are adapted to align with the mark 26 on the stationary plate I1 to indicate the several angular adjustments oi the base It.

The invention includes means for setting and locking the base I0 in the selected rotative or angular positions. An annular concentric groove 21 is'provided in the stationary base plate I1. The groove 21 is of inverted T-shape in vertical cross section and is open at or extends to the surface I9 of the plate I1. Screws 28 cooperate with the groove 21 and extend upwardly through the openings 28 in the ilange 22. The screws 22 are preferably arranged to have their heads in the enlarged lower portions of the T groove 21 and suitable openings may be provided in the under side of the plate I1 to admit the screws to the groove. Nuts 20 are threaded on the projecting upper portions of thescrews 22 and are adapted to clamp against the upper side of the flange 22 to secure the base III in position on the plate I1. One nut 25* is preferably provided with a pivoted handle 2| to be more readily manipulated. The nut 20* may be employed to clamp or lock the base Il in the selected rotative. position and the nuts 20 may be left paror adjustment of the base when the nut 20* is freed or loosened. A plurality of circumferentially spaced sockets 22 is provided in the base plate I1 and a stop pin 22 is passed through an opening in the flange 22 and is adapted to enter any one of the sockets 22 to positively stop or locate the base I0 at positions 90 and 45 in both directions from a central position. The-base I0 has an adjustment of 360 on the plate I1. It is to be observed that the ange 22 of the base III is of large diameter to assure a steady firm support for the base and it is to be noted that the calibrations 25 are provided on this large diametered ange 22 to permit the easy accurate adjustment o! the base I0.

The column II is provided to carry the horizontal traveling arm I2. 'I'he column II is a shiitable vertically disposed member extending upwardly from the base IIi. In practice the column II isan elongated cylindrical member slidably received in the opening 2I o! the base I2. It is preferred to machine the column I I to accurately slidably fit the opening 2i. The column II is of substantial length to have a wide range of vertical adjustment with respect to the base I0. A radially or outwardly projecting ange 25 is provided on the upper end of the column II. Means'is provided for holding the column I I against turning in the base I2. A longitudinal groove 22 of V-shaped cross section is provided in the column II and a screw 21 is threaded through a transverse opening in the wall of the base I0 and has a beveled shoe 21l to conform to and cooperate with the groove 25. The shoe 21n has a suitable rotatable or swivel connection with the screw 21. The engagement of the shoe 21l in the groove 25 serves to prevent turning of the column II and to maintain the column in a true or definite rotative position with respect to the base I0. A hand wheel 22 'is secured to the projecting outer end of the screw 21 and the screw may be tightened down to positively lock the column II in any selected vertical adjustment or position.

It is preferred to provide means for counterbalancing or partially counterbalancing the weight of the column II and the parts carried thereby to facilitate the vertical adjustment oi the column by the means I2. A longitudinal socket 29 of substantial length enters the column II from its lower end. A strong helical spring 40 extends longitudinally through the socket 22 and has its upper end engaging the upper wall of the socket. A plate 4I is secured to the plate I1 by hangers |20 and the lower end of the spring 40 bears on the plate 4I. Centering bosses 42 may enter the opposite ends of the spring 40 to hold the spring centralized. The spring 40 is under compression between the end wall of the socket 29 and the plate 4I to assume the weight or a' portion of the weight of the column' II and the parts carried thereby. The structure just described is such that the column II may be adjusted to project below the base Il.

The means I2 for adjusting the column II is such that the column may be easily and quickly shifted vertically to bring the arm I2 and the saw blade to the selected position. The column adjusting means I2 is in the nature o! s gear mechanism including a scroll gear 42 in the base III and a rack 44 on the column II engaged by the gear. The gear 42 is housed in an opening 45 in the wall of the base I2 and is provided on its inner surface with scroll teeth for cooperating with the teeth of the rack 44. A cover plate 45 closes the outer end of the opening 45 and has an outwardly projecting-boss 41. A shaft 45 is keyed or nxed to the gear 42 and extends outwardly through an opening 42 in the plate 42 and its boss 41. A spacer 5I is arranged on the shaft between the outer face of the gear 42 and the cover plate 45. A suitable lever or handle 52 is secured to the projecting outer end of the shaft 42 to provide for the easy rotation of the gear 42. The gear 42 is disposed at an angle to the vertical to properly cooperate with the teeth of the rack 44 at one side of the axis of rotation of the gear.

The rack 44 is set in a groove 52 in the column II and may be secured to the column by cap screws 54. The heads oi the screws 54 may be engageable by the gear 42 to limit the vertical travel of the column with respect to the base Il. The teeth of the rack 44 protrude from the gurface of the column II for engagement by the teeth oi the scroll gear 42. A groove 55 is provided in the wall of the opening 2l to receive or pass the teeth of the rack 44. 'I'he cooperation of the rack teeth with the groove 55 may assist in preventing turning of the column II in the base I0. Due to the weight compensating action of the above described spring 40 the scroll gear and the rack 44 may have a high gear ratio to effect a rapid vertical adjustment of the column II. The operating handle 52 of the adjusting means I2 is conveniently accessible for the adjustment oi the column II.

The arm I3 is a horizontally arranged element supported on the upper end of the column II for horizontal or longitudinal movement. The arm I3 is an elongate member of considerable length. In the preferred construction the arm I3 is cylindrical and is preferably tubular to be light in weight. The arm I3 preferably has a substantial wail thickness land being tubular has sutncient strength to support the bracket I4, motor I5, etc. in any selected position without distortion or ilexing. The opposite ends of the arm I3 are provided with eliipsoidal heads or caps 56.

'I'he invention provides novel and particularly effective means for supporting the horizontal arm I3 on the upper end of the column II. This meansincludes a barrel or head 51 on the upper end of the column II. The lower side of the head 51 is provided with a flange 58 which is suitably secured to the iiange 35 as by bolts. A horizontal opening 58 extends through the head 51 from one end to the other and receives or passes the arm I3 with some clearance. Means are provided for preventing the lentrance of sawdust and foreign matter to the opposite ends of the arm passing opening 59. Lubricant retaining rings 68 of felt,-or the like, are set in annular grooves 6I in the wall of the opening 59 to closely engage about and wipe the traveling arm I3. The rings 56 are preferably located adjacent the opposite ends of the head 51 and serve to prevent the entrance of foreign matter into the opening 59. The head 51 is constructed and mounted so that the longitudinal axis of its opening 59 is horizontally offset from the longitudinal axis of the column I I. This is best illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The invention includes particularly effective bearing means enclosed in the sealed head 51 to support the traveling arm I3 for freelongitudinal movement. Two spaced longitudinally extending fiat walled grooves 62 are provided in the lower surface portion of thearm I3 and two spaced longitudinally extending fiat surfaces 63 are provided on the upper portion of the arm. Bearings 54 are provided to cooperate with the grooves 62 and similar bearings 55 are provided to cooperate with the at surfaces 63. The bearings 54 are housed in pockets 65 in lar head 51 and the bearings 65 are housed in similar pockets 61 in the head. The bearings 54 and 55 are arranged in sets adjacent the ends of the head 51. 'I'he bearings 54 and 65 are prefershafts 68 are turnably arranged in openings 69 in the head 51 and have eccentric inner end prtions 68a carrying the bearings 64. The bearings 65 are carried by the eccentric portions 1I)a of similar pins 18 turnable in openings 1I in the head 51. The inner parts or races of the bearings 64 and 55 are xed to their respective shaft portions 68a and 10a. The shafts 68 have polygthe interior ofthe tubu' onal outer end portions 68'D accessible at the outer ends of theopenings 59 and the shafts 10 have similar polygonal portions 1lib accessible from the outer ends of the openings 1I. The shafts 68 and 10 are adapted to be turned by means of their polygonal portions 68b and 10b to effect the adjustment of the bearings 64 and 65. It will be understood how turning of a shaft 68 or 1I) may' bring its bearing 64 or 65 into tighter or closer engagement with the groove 62 or the surface 63 of the arm I3.

Means are provided for setting or locking the bearing shafts 66 and 10 in the adjusted positions. The shafts 58 have annular grooves 68 and set portion of the L-shaped bracket screws 12 are threaded through openings in the head 51 to engage in the grooves shafts in the The bearing shafts 10 have annular grooves 10 and set screws 13 are threaded through openings in the ends of the head 51 to engage in the `grooves 18 and lock and 55 may be easily and conveniently adjusted from the exterior of the head 51 to assure the correct mounting of the traveling arm I3. The bearings 64 Means is provided to seat ory in any selected position. This means includes a shoe 14 for cooperating with the arm I3. The shoe 14 is housed in a pocket 15 in the wall of the opening 59 and is shaped to have effective movement resisting cooperation with the arm. A screw 15 is threaded through an opening in the head 51 and its inner end is swivelly connected with the shoe 14. A handle or wheel 11 is secured to the outer end of the screw 16 to release of the shoe shoe 14 is clamped against the arm I3 by the screw 15 it serves to dependably hold the arm against longitudinal shifting. v The shoe 14 may be easily released from the arm I3 by merely backing off the screw 16.

The bracket I4 is provided on the forward end portion of the traveling arm I3 to support the saw operating motor I5. 'I'he bracket I4 is a rigid member but is supported on the arm I3 for adjustment through 360 about a vertical axis to permit adjustment of the saw between the ripping and cutoi positions. The bracket I4 is of generally inverted L-shape having a substantially horizontal upper part and a major substantially vertical lower part. The upper part of the bracket I4 has an upwardly facing finished The plate is secured to the arm I3 by screws II1. Spaced ribs 82 on the upper side of the I3 and extends through a central opening in the plate 80. 'Ihe lower portion of the screw 83 is threaded in an opening 85 in the bracket I4 and the head of the screw 83 is accessible at the upper side of the arm I3. When the screw 83 is tightened the surface 18 of the bracket I4 is tightly clamped against the plate 80 and the bracket is securely held in the selected position. Suitable marks on the bracket I4 and the plate 80 are adapted in the bracket I4 to lock determined positions, for and cutoff positions.

the bracket I4 in preexample, in the ripping The vertical arm or lower I4 is provided flange 89.

lock the arm I3 forward portion 4oi the The ilange 33 is provided to carry the motor I3.

The motor |3 is the saw driving or operating element of the machine. In the drawings I have illustrated the motor I3 as operating a circular saw 33, it being understood that cutting devices or tools of various natures may be operated by the motor I3. 'Ihe motor I3 is a suitable electric motor and is preferably of a type that may be operated by the current of diiIerent voltages. In the drawings I have shown the motor |3 as embodying a substantially rectangular housing 3|. it being obvious that the motor may be of any selected construction. The motor I3 is positioned below the arm |3 and at the rear of the bracket I3. When the bracket i3 is in the cutoi! position illustrated in the drawings the shaft 32 of the motor I3 is substantially horizontal and extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm I3.

In accordance with the invention the motor I3 is pivotally or Vadjustably connected with the bracket Il so that it may be moved throughout 360 to positions brations 95 adapted to be aligned with a mark 33 on-the flange 39 to provide for the accurate setting of the motor I3 in various angular positions. A pin |2| is carried in an opening in the iiange 33 and is adapted to be entered in spaced sockets |22 in the plate 33 to set the motor in given angular positions.

It is preferred to provide meansfor limiting rearward travel of the arm I3 when the motor I3 is adjusted to positions for compound ruitering and similar operations to prevent the blade or saw from striking the column In the drawings I have shownspaced sockets 91 in the upper arm I3 and a pin 33 adapted to be seated in any one of the openings 31 to limit the rearward travel of the arm I3. The pin 93 is adapted to engage the forward end of the head 31 to limit the rearward move.-y ment of the arm i3. A chain 33 may connect the pin 33 with the screw y33 to prevent the loss of the pin. A suitable handle |33 may project forwardly from the bracket I4 to facilitate the easy manipulation or shifting of the arm. bracket and motor assembly.

v Electrical current may be supplied to the motor |3 by a ilexible electrical conductor I3I. The conductor |3| may extend forwardly to the bracket Il from a suitable loose attaching means |32 on the rear end 33 of the arm |3. A control panel or switch plate |33 is provided on the front of the bracket Il and carries switches |33 for governing the motor I3 and fuses |33 for the motor circuit. The switches |33 are readily accessible for manipulation at the front of the motor bracket I3.

The guard i3 is in the nature of a safety shield for the upper portion ofthe blade or saw 33. The guard I3 is partially circular or disc-shaped in side elevation and is provided adjacent its straight lower edge with a tubular hub |33. The hub |33 freely receivesra bearing housing or boss |31 on an end of the motor housing 3|. Set

to provide for mitering. com-V pound mitering, and similar operations. The mocned down by means the bracket I3 on the arm lI3 and the be provided on the hub |33 to engage in an annular groove ||3 in the boss |31 and center or locate the guard I3 with respect to the saw 33 and to prevent endwise movement of the guard I3. The guard hub` |33 is split at one side and lugs |33 project radially at each side of the split. A screw III is threaded in an opening in one lug |33 and has a nut I|| engaging against the other lug |33. The screw III extends outwardly to the periphery of the guard I3 and has a suitable operating wheel or handle II! on its outer end. 'I'he screw ||3 passes through an opening in a lug ||3 adjacent the periphery of the guard I3 to be stabilized thereby. When the screw is tightened the hub |33 and set screws |33 tightly grip the boss |31 to secure the guard I3 in the selected position. When the screw I3 is loosened the guard I3 may be turned or adjusted as found necessary. I'he opposite sides of the guard or webbed while the 'periphery of the guard is preferably closed. A lateral outlet I I3 is provided in a projection III on the periphery of the guard I3 to discharge the cuttings or sawdust from the guard when ripping.

It is believed that the utility of the portable power saw of the present invention will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. In installing and employing the machine of the present invention the plate I1 may be secured to a suitable support such as a table or bench. If necessary or desired the base I3 may be adjusted or turned by merely loosening the nut 33, withdrawing the pin 33 and then bodily turning the base on the plate I1. The extent or angle of turning of the base I3 is indicated by the calibrations 23 read with the mark 23 and the base may be locked in the selected screws |33 may position by tightening down the nut 33. The

column may-be easily and conveniently adjusted vertically to bring the saw 33tothe selected elevation to make cuts of the desired depth, etc. The screw 31 may be backed on and the handle 32 operated so that the scroll gear 33 cooperates with the rack 4I to move the column vertically. If desired or necessary the screw 31 may be tightened down following the vertical adjustment of the column For cuto work the bracket Il andthe motor I3 may be positioned as illustrated in the drawings and the handle |33 may be grasped to effect the necessary movement oi the arm I3, motor I3 and saw 33 to carry on the cutting ofi operations. When it-is desired to employ the machine for ripping the screw 83 may be loosened and the bracket I4 turned or adjusted to a position where the saw 93 is disposed longitudinally of the work. If desired or necessary the shoe 14 may be tight-y of the screw 13 to set the arm I3 in a given position when the work is fed to the saw for ripping. For mitering and compound mitering work the bolt 34 is loosened and the motor I3 is turned to bring the saw 33 to the selected angle.

The rotary or pivotal adjustment of the base I3 on the plate |1, the axial adjustment of the arm I3 on the column the vertical adjustment of the column, the pivotal adjustment of pivotal adjustment of the motor I3 on the bracket I3 provide for or permit the use of the machine for a great number of wood working operations. The motor I3 is supported in substantially vertical alignment with the vertical axis of the connection between the bracket Il and the arm I3 in I3 may be perforate' a manner to impose a minimum of strain on the bracket I4, and the several connections when in position for any cutting operations. The relationship between the motor I5 and the pivotal connection of the bracket I 4 and the arm I3 assures ease in adjusting the motor and bracket between the rip and cutoi positions and allows the arm to be moved rearwardly a maximum distance. The several adjusting means are conveniently accessible and provide for wide ranges of adjustment. It is to -be observed that the ange 22 and the Iiange 89 are of large diameter to carry large calibrations and to provide for accurate adjustments. The arm I3 supported by the anti-friction bearings in the head 51 is very easy to shift or move longitudinally. The bearings 64 and 65 are completely enclosed within the head 51 and the opposite ends of the head are sealed by the rings 50 so that sawdust and the like cannot foul the bearings. The bearings 64 and 65 may be easily and conveniently adjusted from time to time, as necessary, by merely loosening the set screws 12 and I3 and turning the shafts 68 and 1D. The improved machine or saw of the invention is compact and light in weight and yet is strong, durable and capable of performing heavy work.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific form and application herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In a woodworking saw having a traveling arm, the combination of, a bracket secured to the arm to depend therefrom, a tool operating motor secured to the rear side of the bracket, handle means on the front of the bracket for operating the arm, and switch means on the bracket for controlling the motor and including an operating part accessible at the front of the bracket.

2. In a woodworking saw having a traveling arm, the combination of, la bracket secured to the arm to depend therefrom, a tool operating motor secured to the rear side of the bracket, a handle projecting from the front of the bracket, switch means carried by the bracket for controlling the motor, and an operating part for the switch means located at the to be accessible by the operators hand grasping the handle.

LAURENCE FRANKLIN ATWOOD.

front of the bracket 

